What does the mount command do in a Linux system?

The mount command in a Linux system is primarily used to attach filesystems to the file hierarchy, making them accessible at a specified mount point. When a filesystem is mounted, it becomes part of the overall directory structure, allowing users to access files and directories contained within that filesystem as if they were part of the main filesystem. This is essential for incorporating various storage devices, like hard drives, USB drives, and network shares, into the Linux file system structure.

Mounting is a fundamental operation in Linux and is crucial for user and system operations. By specifying the device to mount and the corresponding mount point, users can seamlessly navigate between different storage locations. The command also supports various options that allow customization of how the filesystem is accessed, such as read/write permissions, filesystem type, and specific behaviors.

In contrast, detaching filesystems from the hierarchy would involve the command umount, which disconnects the filesystem but does not apply here. Rebooting the system is accomplished through other commands like reboot or shutdown, and displaying disk usage information is managed by commands like df or du. Therefore, the core function of the mount command reflects its capability to integrate filesystems into the Linux directory structure.